Sound recording and reproducing system



May 26, 1942. E. w. SPARLING SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM Original Filed May 24, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet l R m w M May 26, 1942. E. w. SPARLING SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed May 24, 1937 ATTORN May 26, 1942.

E. w. SPARLING SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM Original Filed May 24, 1957 7 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR. 2:71 If. Spar/1y ATTORNEY May 26, 1942- E. w. SPARLING I SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM Original Filed May 24, 1937 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I INVENTOR.

[///'0# W J ar/i/y BY ATTORNEY.

May 26, 1942. E. w. SPARLING 2,284,306

SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING' SYSTEM Original Filed May 24, 1957 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY.

E. W. SPARLING .souun RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM May 26, 1942.

v 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed May 24, 1937 ATTORNEY.

May 26, 1942.

E. w. SPARLING SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING SYSTEM Original Filed May 24, 1937 '"LSheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. 0M n qw/m ATTORN Patented May 26, 1942 soUNo- RECORDING AND nnraonucmo SYSTEM Elliott W. Sparling, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor,

by mesne assignments, to Theodore R. Gillenwaters and Samuel Steelman, as trustees for M. Elizabeth Gillenwaters Reiiled for abandoned application Serial No.

144,508, May 24, 1937. This application Septcmber 8, 1941, Serial No. 410,103

19 Claims.

ofiices, stores, residences, factories, etc. for selectively effecting station-to-statlon communication, and the recordation and reproduction of messages, instructions, conferences, dictation and other sounds and signals given, made or caused to be made by a person or persons at or adjacent to a station or stations or transmitted to the system through the pick-up means from telephone, telegraph, radio and like equipment.

An object of this invention is to provide a system such as described, which whencharacterized by a communication means comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for st-ation-to-station communication, a recording means and a control means operable at the location of at least oneof said stations for controlling the operation of said recording means, constitutes a highly efiicient unit for facilitating the conduct and operation of business and other routines involving inter-office communications and the transmission, recordation and reproduction of conversations, messages, sounds, signals, etc. pertaining thereto.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system of the character described which is subject to complete control as to the selection and order of performance of its several functions, from one or more control stations, whereby an operator at such a station may at will engage in a conversation with or transmit a message to an operator at another stationand yet selectively start or stop the recording and reproducing means while maintaining the communication means subject to station-to-station communication at all times.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a system such as described, wherein a telephone, radio or telegraph transmitted message, sound or signal, may be picked up from adjacent telephone, radio, -or' telegraph equipment without physical connection or in any manner interfering with such equipment and in such manner that incoming and outgoing messages,

reproduced at the time of transmission or reproduced later from the recording thereof.

A further object is to provide a system such as described which comprises a monitor unit including recording and reproducing means, control means, one of said communication stations and the inductive pick-up means; a master or remote control unit comprising another coinmunlcation station having a microphone, a loud speaker and control switches for controlling the elements of the system, and sub-stations affording communication with one another and with the monitor and master units and under control of the latter, all of the stations having loud speaker-means controlled from the master and monitor units for audibly reproducing the recorded sounds of said reproducing means as well as other signals transmitted to or by the system.

Another object is to provide a system such as described having means at the location of the recording and reproducing means and at one or more of the communication stations for indicating visibly the progress of the styli of said recording and reproducing means, whereby operators at said stations may readily ascertain the extent of operation of and be thus guided as to use of said recording and reproducing means.

Yet another object is to provide tell-tale signal means at one or more of the stations for visibly indicating the operativeness of other stations.

This invention also comprehends the installation of a communication station, the recording and reproducing means and the inductive pickup means and control switches as a monitor unit in, for example, the secretarys room or oifice of an office suite which latter is equipped with an ordinary inter-oflice telephone system, the installation of a master or remote control unit comprising a communication station having a loud speaker, a microphone, a visual indicator showing the extent of operation of the recording means, and control switches coupled into electrical circuits of the system and for controlling the entire system, in another office for the use of the executive or office head, and possibly the installation of other communicating stationsin other rooms of the oilice, as sub-stations, all, whereby, of the many functions thus made possible there may be carried out in a particularly eflicacious manner the following:

1. Dictation and issuance of vocal instructions from the master station selectively to the monitor and sub-stations, V

2. Station-to-station communication at the will of the operator at said stations,

.3. Recordation of dictation, conferences, instructions, sounds and station-to-statlon conversations under control of the master and monitor station operators at all times,

4. Recordation of incoming and outgoing telephone calls, radio and telegraph messages. etc, at will and under control of the master and monitor operators without physical connection to or interfering with the telephone or like equipment,

5. Audible reproduction at the master or any other station or stations, under control of the master station operator, of recorded matter or r of sounds and signals being transmitted in and J'ect however, to modification, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a schematic perspective of a typical installation of the system of this invention as may be carried out in an office suite,

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective of the system showing the units more in detail and a typical number and arrangement of units,

Fig. 3 is a partial wiring diagram of the station-to-station communication system and associated circuits and elements,

Fig. 4 is a partial wiring diagram of electrical circuits employed in the system and which are connected with the circuits shown in Fig. 3 to form the complete system diagram,

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the monitor unit,

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of said monitor unit with the lid removed,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the recording and reproducing mechanism,

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of said mechanism taken at right angles to Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional One embodiment of this invention comprises a system wherein a monitor station A provided with sound recording and reproducing means is electrically combined with inter-station communication means including a master or remote control station B and sub-station C or a plurality of any one or more thereof, and with pick-up means D which operates without p cal connection or interference with telephone, telegraph or like equipment, to receive and transmit for recordation and audible reproduction the incoming and outgoing signals and sounds transmitted by such equipment.

As shown in Fig. 1 the monitor station A may be considered as including one of the sub-stations C as a loud speaker therefor, also the pickup means D, and may be installed in a room or oillce E of a suite, store or the like equipped with an ordinary telephone system El. This provides for operation and control of the monitor unit and the entire system by a secretary or clerk at that station. A master station B and a similar station Bl may be placed on desks or otherwise installed in other rooms or oilices as indicated at F and G respectively, for use of executives.

As will be hereinafter more fully described, each station is equipped with control means but the monitor and master stations have the major controls operable to selectively start and stop the recording and reproducing means and cause the pick-up means to receive and transmit signals for audible reproduction at a selected station or stations or for recordation.

As shown in Fig. 1 the station-to-station communication means may comprise the master station B, sub-station C, the latter forming a part of monitor station A, and a second master station Bl. However nstead of this arrangement the system may include, as shown in Fig. 2, the monitor station A, master station B, sub-station C and another sub-station Cl which, for example, may be installed in place of the master station Bl. .A plurality of any one or more stations may be used as within the scope of tnis invention and in most embodiments the system will essentially consist as particularly shown in the wiring diagrams and Figs. 3 and 4, a monitor station A, a master station B and a substation C or their equivalents.

Monitor station As here shown the monitor station or unit A comprises a cabinet Al housing a recording and reproducing means A2, a thermionic amplifier unit. A3, a radio receiving set A5 included in part in the unit A3 and having a tuning control A541, 9. gang switch A6 for controlling the entire system, an indicator A1 for showing the extent of operation of the recording and reproducing means at all times, a tell-tale light signal A8 for visually indicating operation conditions of the system, a sub-station C which serves as a loud speaker, and a volume control Alli. If desired earphones All may be used in connection ,with the monitor unit instead of or with the loud speaker of said station C.

Master station As here shown the master station B (or Bi) comprises a cabinetB! containing a loud speaker unit B3 also serving as a microphone, an indicator B4 showing at all'times the operating position of the recording and reproducing styli, a microphone B5 for use when recording from the master station, a switch B6 for connecting the speaker B2 in parallel with the speaker at another,,,station, a tell-tale light signal BLfor indicating the operativeness of the monitor unit, a switch B8 for connecting the speaker A3 for 2,2a4,soc

Inasmuch as the styli and i are mounted use as a microphone, a volume control means B9 and a gang switch Blll corresponding to the gang switch A6 and for controlling the system as will be hereinafter more particularly described.

Sub-station The sub-station C (Ci) comprises a cabinet C2 housing a loud speaker unit C! which may be connected in the circuit for use as a microphone through the manipulation of a switch C4 mounted on the exterior of the cabinet.

Recording and reproducing means Any suitable recording and reproducing means may be used in connection with the system of this invention, provided the same will be subject to remote control from a master station and also operative at the monitor station whereby for example, a master station operator may at will cause said means to record or reproduce sounds and messages originating within or transmitted side by side a compensating adjustment must be made when setting one of the styli for engagement with the record. This isaccompllshed by moving the fulcrum block 28 laterally between mote control from the master station B and substation C. This provides for reproduction at will of recorded matter which is audible at the master and other stations. This means is controlled by the push button-switches P and]?! at said stations, and when operated, energizes the solenoid to the system. As here shown a turntable i for rotatably supporting a record 2 is mounted upon a rotary post 3 suitably supported in the upper part of the cabinet AI. A combined recording and reproducing assembly 4 includingrecording' and reproducing heads and styli 5 and 8 is secured by a pin I. to a rotary post 9 so as to swing laterally and to pivot vertically relative to the post. The recording stylus ii is carried by a magnetic head 9 mounted on an arm 58 which is pivoted .as at H on the assembly 6 whereas the reproducing stylus 6 is carried by a head, not shown, and which is mounted on an arm 12 secured by the pivot means H on the assembly i. These styli are selectively movable into and out of engagement with the record 2 by a suitable double cam means 33 having an operating handle It disposed on the side of the assembly d.

Provision is made for increasing the recording capacity of the record and improving the quality of reproduction by using a drive means which causes the record to have a constant surface speed at the point of its contact with the stylus that is in operation. This drive means primarily comprises a motor l5, belt drive I8, shaft l1, driving worm is, gear I9 meshing with said worm, shaft 20 rotated by gear l9 and a friction drive wheel 2i splined on the shaft 20 and engaging the under side of the turntable. As the friction drive wheel 2! must be moved laterally or transversely of the turntable while driving the same, this is accomplished by drive means including a worm 22 on the post 3, gear 23 driven by said worm and which in turn drives a lead screw 26 which latter drives a carriage 25 connected with the drive wheel 21. It is thus seen that the turntable drives said lead screw and the latter moves the carriage whereby to shift the drive wheel during the driving of the turntable.

The carriage is connected with the reproducing and recording head 6 so as to cause the stylus in use to move transversely of the record corresponding to the movement of the drive wheel 2|. Accordingly a lever 26 is pivoted at one end as at 21 upon an adjustable fulcrum member 28 on the wall 29 of'the cabinet Al. The other end of the lever has a ball and socket connection 30 with the carriage 25 and .as said lever is moved with the carriage, motion is transmitted to the recording and reproducing head 4 through a link 3| and a crank arm 32 which latter is carried by the lower end of the rotary post 8.

39, the armature 40 of which is connected with and operates a crank arm 6|. This crank arm and armature are normally held in operative position by a spring 52 and the crank arm is fixed to a rotary shaft 53 having a short crank arm 64 which engages in a notch 55 formed in a nut member 36. The nut member it constitutes a part of the carriage 25 and is carried on an arm M which is pivoted as at 38 and depends from one side of a yoke 59 which constitutes the body of the carriage. The yoke 59 is rotatably secured to the hub 5d of the drive wheel H by a pin 5! engaging with a groove 52 in said hub. Opposite faces of the nut member Q6 are screw-threaded and one of said faces is adapted to engage with the lead screw 26, whereas the other face is adapted to engage with a similar lead screw 53 mounted in spaced parallel relation to the lead screw 26. The lead screw 53 is driven by a gear 56 fixed thereto and which meshes with a gear 55 fixed cm the lead screw 2%. At this lead screw 53 is rotated in the opposite direction to the lead screw 24 it is seen that when the nut to is engaged with the lead screw 53 the carriage 25 and drive wheel M will be moved back to starting position, that is toward the outer periphery of the turntable. This of course, likewise moves the recording and reproducing head 6. When the solenoid 39 is energized and the crank arm 5| moves downwardly, the short crank arm 63 swings to the right of its position shown in Fig. 7 and swings the arm 61 so that the nut member d6 will move clear of lead screw 24' into engagement with the lead screw 53, The spring detent 56 operates toreleasably hold the arm 41 in its operative positions. At the same time that this action takes place an angular link 51 connected with the crank arm M and the head & operates to tilt the head vertically on the pivot I so that the stylus is lifted clear of the record and maintained in such position throughout energization of said solenoid. This link 51 has a 'pin and slot connection 58 with an extension 59 on the inner end of the head 4. In addition to lifting the head 4 clear of the record the solenoid 39 also functions when energized to lift the free from contact with the drive wheel 2|.

When the operator at either the master or the sub-station during a transcription operation of the system 1? and PI manipulates one of the switches so as to deenergize the solenoid 39, the spring 42 lifts the crank arm 4| and armature 40 and in so doing retracts the link 51 and the lever 60 whereby the stylus 6 is lowered to operative position and the turntable I is likewise lo ered into contact with the drive wheel 2|. At the same time the short crank arm 44 swings the nut 46 from contact with lead screw 53 back into engagement with the lead screw 24, and the recording and reproducing means is therefore restored to operative condition whereby reproducing operation is automatically resumed.

Automatic motor cut-017 When the drive wheel 2| and recording head reach the inner limits of travel relative to the turntable I and the record 2, a projection- 93 on a carriage supporting pointer 64 (see Fig. 11) opcrates to open a normally closed spring actuated circuit closer 65 which opens the circuit for the motor, also the circuits for the tell-tale light signal B1 and A0, on the master station B (or BI 'andAI).

ting off the solenoid 39. When the solenoid is deenergized the nut will be moved back to the lead screw 24 by action of the spring 43 as'hereinbefore described.

Stylus position indicators The stylus position indicator A1 of the monitor unit A comprises a graduated scale 10 over which the pointer 64 is moved by the carriage 25 in corconnecting the speaker Bl-for use as a microphone and speaker C3 for use as a loud speaker. On this operation of switch B a circuit is established from 6.3 volt, tap 0H 0! transformer E, by conductors SJ, and IIR, engaged contacts 00 and ll of switch B0, relay 02, ground 03 and transformer ground 04, whereby to energize relay 02. This causes relay contacts 05 and 06 to engage and establish a circuit to connect substation speaker C3 for its normal function as a loud speaker and master station speaker B3 for use as a microphone as follows, the amplifier section 01 of the main amplifier A3, output conductor 00. contacts 95 and 88, conductor 09, jacks 90 and 9|, conductor 35, contacts 92 and-93 of sub-station switch C4, conductor 94, speaker C3 and ground 95, whereas for speaker B3 the circuit is established through input conductor IR, contacts 95 and 91 of master station switch B0, conductor 90, master station speaker B3 and ground 99 thereby connecting the speaker B3 for use as a microphone.

To speak through the sub-station speaker C3 the operator at sub-station C closes switch C4 and speaker C3 is connected as a microphone while speaker B3 operates as a loud speaker as follows. For speaker C3 the circuit includes input conductor IR, conductor 48, contacts I00 and '93, conductor 94, speaker C3, ground 95; for

speaker B3 the circuit is established from transformer 6E, conductor SJ, conductors IOR, and 28, contacts |0| and I02 of switch C4, conductor IS, relay I03 and ground 03. Relay contacts I04 and I05 now-engage and the circuit for speaker respondence with the movement of the drive wheel 2| and recording and reproducing head 4 whereby the monitor operator may ascertain at a glance the position of the styli 5 and 6 on the record 2. The master station indicator B4 is in eflect a volt meter having graduation indicia corresponding to that of scale 64. This volt meter is operated by a rheostat or variable resistor 1| of which the movable member 12 is fixed to the pointer and moves therewith in operative engagement with exposed portions 13 of the winding of said rheostat at shown in Fig. 11. This provides for simultaneous and identical indication by the indicators A1 and B4.

syztion-to-staticm communication circuit Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 which jointly show the electrical circuits of a complete system under this invention, it is seen from Fig. 3 that the electrical energy for the system is supplied from a 110 volt A. C. source not shown, through conductors 6A and 3B. The conductor 6A is connected through a main line switch 0C and voltage regulator 0D to one side of a transformer 6E and from which side a conductor 0F leads to a system connecting conductor line I2M. The other line conductor 6B is connected at 6G with the other side of transformer 0E and from thence extends to the system conductor 6M.-

When the operator at the master station B wishes to speak through said station to substation C the switch B8 is operated to move from its normal position shown'in Fig. 3 to position B is established from output conductor 88 of amplifier section 81, contacts I04 and I05, conductor 3R, contacts I06 and 96'of master station switch B8, conductor 90, loud speaker B3 and ground 99 whereby the speaker B serves its normal purpose as a loud speaker to reproduce messages from sub-station C.

Recording circuits To record at the monitor station the dictation or messages transmitted from the master station B, the master station gang switch BIO, consisting of four decks I01, I00, I09 and H0, is manipulated so that the pointer III is moved fromphone B5, conductor I25, contacts 9 and H5,

conductor 4R to amplifier A3 having the ground I26 to complete the microphone circuit. At this time the contact ||6 engages with contact I20 which iselectrically connected with contact |20A and the recording head and stylus 5 (see Fig. 3)

is connected with the output terminal of the amplifier A3, (reading from Fig. 4 to Fig. 3) ground I21, recording head and stylus 5, plug I20, and

conductor line 5M to contacts I20A, I20 and H6, conductor 0M and conductor 0R connecting IM to output unit of the amplifier A3, which unit has a ground connection I29.

The motor 3. is started simultaneously with the connecting of the microphone B5 in the recording circuit, through the operation of the fourth deck III! of the master station gang switch BIO. This motor circuit is established from a 110 volt A. C. line conductor 83, conductor 8M, (read from Fig. 3 to Fig. 4) motor 3, conductor 2T, the automatic and normally closed sw itch*65, conductor 3T, conductor IIM,

(now read from Fig. 4 to Fig. 3) stationary contacts I22A and I22, movable contact II8, conductor HM, and conductor 6F to the other A. C. input line 6A.

It is seen that when the operator at the monitor station has set the head 4 with the recording stylus on the record 2, the master station operator may speak into the microphone B and Recording station-to-station conversations It should be noted that while the system is operative to record signals, messages, etc., from the master station B, the station-to-station circuits are undisturbed and are operative at will. Should the master station operator operate switch B8 to connect speaker B as a microphone, while the microphone B5 is connected with the recording unit, such speech while being trans-- mitted to the sub-station, will also be picked up by the microphone and recorded as hereinbefore explained. Moreover when the speaker unit A3 broadcasts messages and sounds transmitted thereto from the sub-station C, such sounds are also picked up by microphone A5 and thereby recorded when the microphone A5 is connected as above noted, for recordation of sounds picked up thereby. It is thus seen that conferences and conversations in the room where the stations B and C etc. are located, may be picked up and re corded as desired. I

Stylus position indicator circuits During the operation of the recording and reproducing means the pointer 64 of the mechanical stylus position indicator A1 of the monitor unit, operates the rheostat 1! so that the volt meter indicator B5 will correspond in its indication to that of indicator A1. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 in the order named, it is seen that the circuit for indicator B4 is established through the ground I32, indicator B4, conductor I3R (now read Fig. 4) .movable member 12 of rheostat H and conductor 4T to ground I32a. Since the element 12 moves with pointer 64, the resistance of member 1I- will vary whereby the indicator B4 will correspond in reading to the indicator A1. From the rheostat H in Fig. 4, conductor 6T extends (now read Fig. 3) to voltage bleeder and divider I35 having a source voltage at I36 and provided with a ground connection I31 whereby to supply voltage to this circuit.

Tell-tale signal light circuits The tell-tale signal lights A8 and B1 at the monitor and master stations A and B are shown in Figs. 4 and 3 respectively. Circuits for these light A8 is grounded as at I39 (see Fig. 4) and one side of light B1 (see Fig. 3) is grounded through conductor HR. and ground element I40. The other side of light B1 is connected to the other side of light A8 (see Fig. 3) by conductor 4M (now read Fig. 4). Conductor 81' connects M with normally closed contacts Ill and I42 from which latter conductor 1T leadsto conductor 0M which (now read Fig. 3) extends to connected contacts I2I, I2IA, I2IB and I2IC of deck I08 of gang switch BIII of the master station 15. when movable contact H1 is engaged with any of said I2I series of contacts the circuit is completed, through IOR to'the 6.3 volt tap 6H of power transformer 0E. Thus the master station light B1 and the monitor station light A8 are lit when the monitor is in operation to record, reproduce and broadcast. The automatic switch operates to open the circuit for these tell-tale lights when the projection 68 is moved by the carriage 25 for the drive wheel M to engage said switch to cut ofi motor 3'. .Said circuits for said lights are opened by disengagement of motor circuit contacts I55 and I48 and like separation of light circuit contacts I and I82 both embodied in switches and 68. The lights being off will indicate to station operators at the master and monitor stations that the recording head is not in operative position, since after the motors are automatically shut off the light will remain off until the head is restored to an operative or starting position. v

7 Telephone recording and pick-up circuits 7 When the master station operator wishes to connect the pick-up means D for recording outgoing or incoming messages'from an adjacent telephone or other similar communication system, the gang switch BIO is operated to bring pointer III opposite the dial indication I50 which'is marked to indicate telephone recording. At this time deck Ill-1 has the contactIIS and IISA engaged and induction coil I5I of pick-up means D which is placed adjacent the, telephone system coil I53 (see Fig. 3) and grounded at I58 is connected to the input side of the amplifier A8 through conductor 4R, contacts II5 and IISA, conductor I55 having condenser I58 and plug I51 connected therein.

Deck I08 of gang switch BIB has its contact IIB'engaged with contact I20A which is connected with contact I20 so that deck I08 functions as when the switch is set for dictation recording as previously described, whereby the recording head and stylus 5 are connected to the output side of the main amplifier A3 (see 0 Fig. 3) through conductors BR and 8M, conlights are established as follows: one side of Fig. 4) to recording stylus 5. Then the master station operator may at will cause incoming or r outgoing telephone messages to be recorded as desired while at the same time, providing for the ordinary reception of such messages through the inter-oflice telephone system.

Deck I09 operates on this positionof the master gang switch in the same manner as when the gang switch' is in the first operative position for dictation recording.

Deck IIO operates the same as when the first operative position of the gang switch to con- 0 nect the motor 3.

' Telephone broadcast circuit The gang switch BIO is moved to its third position of operation (from left to right) to establish a circuit including loud speaker unit B3 of the master station B and the pick-up means D. In this position of said gang switch the decks I01, I08, I00 and H0 operate as follows:

Deck I01 has contact II5 engaged with contact IISB. This connects the'pick-up coil I5l has its contact In engaged with contact ma and. loud speaker unit 33 is connected to the output side of the amplifier A3 through conductors il't and 3M, contact II6, contact I20B, conductorJR, normally closed relay contacts, I6I and I05, conductor 3R, normally closed contacts I06 and s6 conductor 96 and speaker B3 to ground 39. It should be noted at this point that master' st'ation switch B6 in one position (that shown in Fig. 3) connects speaker unit C3 of the sub-station C in parallel with speaker B3 whereby both stations will broadcast at the same time, but in its other or "o position disconnects the sub-station speaker C3, permitting reception at the master station B only. Speaker C3 is connected in parallel with speaker 133 through switch B6, conductor 6R, normally closed relay contacts I63 and 35, conductor 39, Jacks 90 and 9|, conductor 35, normally closed contacts 92 and 93 of substation switch C4, conductor 94 and speaker C3 to ground 95. It should also be noted at this point that earphones may be plugged in at the jacks 90 and 9| for use instead of the loud speaker C3.

Deck I06 operates the same as when the gang switch is in its first position of operation thereby to actuate the signals A8 and B1.

Deck H0 in the third operation position of gang switch BIO has its movable contact out of contact with the stationary deck contacts, or in ofi position, inasmuch as the motor 3 is not needed when broadcasting telephone and like messages.

Transciibing 0r reproducing circuits (fourth operating position on gang switch B10) In this position of gang switch the decks I01, I03, I09 and H0 thereof operate as follows:

Deck I01 has its contact II5 contacted with contacts II9C whereby to connect reproducing head and stylus 6 to the input side of amplifier A3, through conductor 4R, contact II5, contact IIBC, conductor I64, (now read left upper side Fig. 4) and through volume control resistor-I65, conductor I66 to reproducer head and stylus 6.

Deck I03 (operating position 4) has its contact I I6 disposed in contact with contact I20C which is connected with conductor 1R. Thus if the switch B6 is in its on position as shown in Fig. 3, the two speakers are connected, in parallel in the same manner as when the gang switch deck I06 is in its third operating position as previously described.

Deck I08 in its fourth operating position has its contact II1 engaged with contact I2IC and operating in the same manner as when in its other operating positions tale lights A3 and B1.

Deck H0 in its fourth operating position has its contact Ill engaged with contact I22B which is connected with contact I22 and I22A being the first and second operating position contacts, whereby to close the motor circuit as described in connection with the first operating position thereof.

It should be noted that the first position of the gang switch BIO is an oil position, that a corresponding shut off position is provided between each operating position whereby the switch may be moved progressively from left to right to energizethe tell-' ductors 4151!, (now read Fig. 4) 6T, automatic to reflect its several operating positions although it may be moved'i'rom one operating position to another as desired. I

As shown in provided for illuminating the indicator B4 and gang switch dial H3 and are energized whenever the amplifier A3 is operated.

Monitor station yang switch (A6) As shown in the wiring diagram, Fig. 4, the monitor station gang switch A6 comprises four decks I10, "I, I12 and I13, having corresponding movable contacts I14, I16, I16 and I11 operating simultaneously when the knob I13 is turned. 0n the knob is a pointer I19 cooperating with the oil transcribe, of! radio, ofi radio recording" and "oil" designations appearing on the dial I60. This gang switch therefore has three operating positions and provides for control of the system in a manner substantially the same as with master station gang switch BIO.

In its normal or first 06" position the four decks of switch operate as follows:

Deck =I10 has its contact I14 engaged with contact I6I which is connected with contact IBIA whereby the plate of first input tube 6F5 is connected to the second input 6C5 through condenser I82, (see Fig. 3) conductor 3M, (now read Fig. 4) contacts IBIA, I8I and I14, conductor 2M, (now read Fig. 3) to grid inputof 6C6.

Decks.I1I, I12 and I13 perform no circuit closing functions.

Transcribing circuit (when monitor station yang switch is on its first operating position) Fig. 3) volume control I63 to input tube 6C5 through the amplifier to the 6F6 output unit.

Deck I1I connects the loud speaker C3 through (see Fig. 3) conductor, contacts 93 and 62 of switch 04, conductor 36, jacks 9| and 30, conductor 36, then closed relay contacts 86 and I63, conductor 6R, conductor 1M, (now read Fig. 4) deck contacts I64 and I64A, contact I15, conductor 3M, (now read Fig. 3) and through conductor 8R to the output stage of amplifier A3. It should be noted that the earphones may be plugged in at the jacks 30 and or 9| to disconnect speaker C3 if desired. Speaker 133 also operates at this time to broadcast the transcription from the stylus head 6, as said speaker is then connected with the output stage of the amplifier, through conductor 96, contacts 96 and I06, conductor3R, then closed contacts I05 and I6I, conductor 13, switch B6 (provided the latter is in the on" position) conductor 6R, conductor 1M (now read Fig. 4) contacts I84, INA,

contact I15, conductor 6M (now read Fig. 3) conductor 8R to output stage of amplifier A3. When switch B6 isofi the loud speaker C3 only is in the circuit.

Deck I12, when in transcribe" position, has its contact I16'engaged with contacts I86 which is connected with contacts I36A and H63. This closes the circuits for tell-tale lights A6 and B1. One side of light A6 is grounded at- I36 (Fig. 4) and one side of light B1 is grounded through conductor HR. The other side of B1 (Fig. 3) is connected to the other side of A3 through conswitch 65 conductors 1T, 3M, gang switch con- Fig. 3 the lights L2 and L3 are tacts I863, I86, I16, conductor IBM (now read Fig. 3) conductor 8J to 6.3 volt line of transformer 6E.

It should be noted at this point that lights L6, L5, L8, L1 and L8 shown in Fig. 4, are lit when the system current is turned on through line switch 60, the conductors SJ, IIIM going directly to said lights (see Fig. 4) when the latter are grounded. These lights are placed to illuminate the controls of the monitor unit.

Deck I13 in the transcribe" position turns on the motor 3, one side of which is connected from line conductor 63 (Fig. 3) by conductor BM (now read Fig. i). The other side of motor 3 is connected through main line conductor 6A, (see Fig. 3) switch 60, voltage regulator 8D, conductor 6F, conductor IZM, (now read Fig. 4) deck contacts I", I er and I8IA, conductors HM and ST, automatic switches 65 and 68 then closed, and to motor through conductor 2T, thus completing the motor circuit.

Radio broadcast circuit When the gang switch A6 is in its second operating or radio broadcast position the decks thereof operate as follows:

Back No connects the radio output tube GQI of the radio set A (see Fig. 3) to conductor IM (now read Fig. 4) deck contacts I8IB and I'M, conductor 2M (now read Fig. 3) to input tube $05 of main amplifier.

Deck "I now connects in the circuit the substation or monitor unit speaker C3. Also speaker B3, provided switch B6 is in its on position, through deck contacts I85 and I15 then engaged the circuits being established in the same manner as when this deck is in its first operating or transcribing position.

Deck I12 functions as previously described, to control the light circuits for the tell-tale signals A8 and B1, only at this time through its contacts I16, I86A and I863.

Deck I12 is in an "01? position and the motor circuit. controlled thereby is open.

Radio recording circuit When the gang switch A8 is in its third operating or radio recording position, the decks thereof operate as follows:

Deck I connects through contacts I14 and I8 ID the radio output tube GQI to the input tube 6C5 of the main amplifier A3, in the same manner as described when the gang switch is in radio broadcasting position.

Deck I'II through its contacts I15 and "MB now connects recording head 5 to the output transformer'of the main amplifier, as follows, from head or stylus 5, (Fig. 4) conductor 5M, deck contacts IMB and I15, conductor 8M, (now read Fig. 3) conductor 8R1, to output side of main amplifier which is grounded at I29.

Deck I12 operates as before, through contacts IBGB and I18 to close the circuits for the tell-tale lights A8 and B1.

Deck I13 closes the circuit for motor 3 of the recording unit through contacts I" and IB'IA in the same manner as when the gang switch is moved to its first operating or "transcribing" position.

It will now be seen that by reason of the association and combination of the elements and circuit of this system as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, the objects and purpose as set forth herein may be obtained in a particularly efficacious manner.

Back spacing circuit and control means therefor As shown in Fig. 4, the deck spacing switches P and PI are connected in parallel by conductors P2, P3, P4, P5, IBM, IOR and SJ with the 6.3 volt tap of the transformer 6E and the switch 68 respectively. Switch 68 is normally closed and connected by a conductor P6 with the solenoid 38 which latter is ground as at P1. It is thus seen that when either switch P and PI is closed the solenoid 89 will be energized and will operate as hereinbefore described to back space the reproducing stylus. Immediately either push button is released the stylus is restored to operative position on the record, as noted on page 4 hereof and reproduction or transcription is automatically resumed. Thus the operator may determine the back spacing movement of the stylus 8 by the length oftime the switches P and PI are closed.

With further reference to Fig. 4, also Fig. 11, it is seen that the projection 61 encounters switch 68, as would take place at the outer limits of back spacing movement of the assembly 4, andsaid switch opens and deenergizes the solenoid 39. As previously described on pa e 4 hereof, the nut 46 is returned to engagement with the lead screw 24 and the normal transcribing movement will be resumed.

Modified form of phone pick-up As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, a variational form of pick up means comprises a microphone PIB which is provided with spaces or openings indicated at PII or otherwise. constructed whereby when placed in or adjacent to the human ear, for example, by means of head band PI2, will permit free passage of sound from a telephone ear piece to the human ear, yet pick up the sounds transcribed in the telephone system. .With the use of this microphone telephone messages may be readily picked up without connection with the telephone equipment, or interfering with the normal phone reception and use.

As shown in Fig. 13 the microphone PM is electrically connected in'the circuit of the systom in the same manner as is the pick-up means D, the ground PI3 and conductor PM corresponding to the ground I24 and conductor I25 as employed with the pick-up means D.

Monitor jacks As shown in Fig. 4, monitor 'jacks'PIS and PIG are ground at P" and connected by conductor PI8 to conductor 8R, conductor 8R to output of the main amplifier. These jacks provide for earphone reception of all reproductions in the system without interfering with the normal functions of the other sound reproducing elements of the system.-

I claim: r

1. A combined signal recording, reproducing and communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for inter-station communication, signal recording means, signal reproducing means, a phonographic means including a record common to said recording and reproducing means, and conmeans,

of said static recording means and said reproducing means.

2. A combined sound recording, reproducing and communication system comprising a plurality oi electrically connected stations arranged for audible inter-station communication, sound recording means, sound reproducing means, a phonographic means including a record for cooperation with said recording and reproducing means, and control means at the location of at least one of said stations for controlling all of said stations and for selectively effecting the operation of said sound recording and reproducing means for recording on said record sound transmitted from one of said stations and reproducing from said record said recorded sound at a selected station.

3. A combined sound recording, reproducing and communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for audible inter-station messages, phonographic means for recording and reproducing said messages, and control means at the location of at least one of said stations for selectively effecting the operation of said phonographic means for recording sound transmitted from one of said stations and reproducing the sound thus recorded at a selected station while maintaining operable inter-station communication connections between stations of the system.

4. A' combined signal. recording, reproducing communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations including means for effecting inter-station communication by audible and visual signals, phonographic means selectively operable to record and reproduce said audible signals, control means operable at the location of at least one of said stations iorselectivel effecting the operation of said phonographic means.

5. A combined signal recording, reproducing communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations including means for effecting inter-station communication by audible and visual signals, signal recording signal reproducing means, a phonographic means including a record common to said recording and reproducing means, and conm1 means operable at the location of at least one of said stations for selectively effecting the operation of said recording and reproducing means while maintaining inter-station communication connections between stations of the system. i

6. A combined signal recording and communication systemvcomprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for interstation communication, signal recording means,

and control means at the location of at least one of said stations for controlling the operation of said recording means and electrically operated signal means visually indicating at a station removed from said recording means the extent'oi operation of said recording means.

'7. A combined sound recording and communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for audible inter-station communication, sound recording means, and control means at the location 0! at least one of said stations for selectively effecting the operation of said stations and said recordingmeans, and electrically operated signal means at the location of said control means for visuallyssesses I indicating the extent 0! operation of said recordin: means. r

8. A combined sound recording and communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for audible station-to-station communication, sound recording means, inductive pick-up means for receiving signals from an electrical circuit for transmitting such signal, sound recording means selectively operative to make a record of audible station-to-station communications and signals received by said pick-up means, and control means at thelocation of at least one of said stations for controlling the operation of said recording means and said pick-up means.

9. A combined sound recording, reproducing and communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for station-to-station communication, inductive pick-up means for transmitting to at least one of said stations a signal picked up from a signal transmitting means which is without'said system, recording means for recording stationto-station communication and signals received by said pick-up means, reproducing means for reproducing audibly at at least one of said stations the communication and signals which have been recorded by said recording means, and control means at the location oi. at least one of said stations for controlling the operation of said pick-up means and said recording means.

10. A combined sound recording, reproducing and communication system comprising a plurality of electrically connected stations arranged for station-to-station communication, inductive pick-up means for transmitting to at least one.

of said stations a signal picked up from a signal transmitting means which is without said system, phonographic recording means for recording station-to-station communication and siging said station for inter-station communication,

recording a station-to-station communication, 'recording a signal received by said pick-up means, and audibly reproducing at one or more of said stations, the matter which has been transmitted to and recorded by said recording means.

11; The combination with a telephone system including a telephone station having sending and receiving equipment, of communication means comprising a plurality of stations affording station-to-station'communication independently of said telephone system, .an induction pick-up means operative for picking up signals transmitted to and from said telephone station and, for transmitting said signals to said communication stations, and control means operative at the location of at least one of said stations of said communication means for selectively controlling said pick-up means and said communication stations.

12. A system of the character described comprising a monitor station including electrically operated sound recording means and electrically operated sound reproducing means, a communication system comprising a master station located at a point remote from said monitor station and a sub-station located at the monitor, station, said master station including a microphone and an electrically operative loud speaker also subject to use as a microphone, said subwterconnected with one. anotherand the electrical elements of the communication system, circuit control means at said master and sub-stations operable at will to connect the speaker of the one thereof in said circuits for use as a microphone while the speaker of the other communication station is connected for audible reproduction of the sound transmitted from the microphone connected speaker, a master station circuit control -means for selectively connecting said microphone in circuit with said recording means for recordrecording telephone messages transmitted by said pick-up means and interstation communicaing soundpicked up by said microphone, and actuating and connecting said reproducing means in circuit with a communication station .loud speaker for audibly reproducing recorded sounds, and another circuit control means operable at the master station for connecting either or both tion and a sub-station located at the monitor station, said master station including a microphone and an electrically operative loud speaker also subject to use as a microphone, said sub-station comprising an electrically operated loud speaker subject to use as a microphone, thermionic amplifying means, electrical circuits interconnected with one another and the electrical elements of the communication system, circuit control means at said master and sub-station operable at will to connect the speaker of one thereof in said circuits for use as a microphone while the speaker of the other communication station is connected for audible reproduction of the sound transmitted from the microphone connected speaker, a master station circuit control means for selectively connecting said microphone in circuit with said recording means for recording sound picked 3 up by said microphone, and actuating and connecting said reproducing means in circuit with a communication station loud speaker for audibly reproducing recorded sounds, an inductive pick-up means operable in'saidcircuits for picking up messages and sounds from a telephone or like system, and means embodied in said circuits and said master station circuit control means for connecting said pick-up means in the circuits for the recording means, the reproducing means and the .loud speakers of said stations, whereby incoming and outgoing messages and sounds in said telephone system may be either recorded or broadcast at the time of reception or subsequently broadcast from the recording thereof.

14.'The combination with a telephone system including a telephone station having sending and receiving equipment, of communication means comprising a plurality of stations afiording station-to-station communication independently of means operative for picking up signals transmitted to and from said telephone station and for transmitting said signals to said communications, and control means operable at the locationof at least one of the stations of said communication means for selectively controlling said pick-up means, said recording means and the operation of said communication stations.

15. The combination with a telephone system including a telephone station having sending and receiving equipment, of communication means comprising a plurality of stations aiiording station-to-station communication independently of said telephone system, and induction pick-up means operative for picking up signals transmitted to and from said telephone station and for transmitting said signals to said communication stations, phonographic recording means for recording telephone messages transmitted by said pick-up means and also interstation messages, said recording means including a reproducing head and associated means for reproducing messages recorded by said recording means, and control means operable at the location of at least one of the stations of said communication means for selectively controlling said pick-u'p'means, said recording means and the operation of said communication stations and reproducing means.

16. A system of the character described com prising a monitor station including electrically operated sound recording means, and electrically j operated sound reproducing means, in combination with a communication system including a master station located at'a point remote from said monitor station and a sub-station located at the monitor station, said master station including an electrically operative loud speaker subject to use as a microphone, said sub-station comprising an electrically operated loud speaker subject for use as a microphone, thermionic amplifying means, electrical circuits interconnected with one another and the electrical elements of the system, circuit control means at said master station and said sub-station operable at will to connect the speaker of one thereof on said circuits for useas a microphone while the speaker of the other station is connected for audible reproduction of the sound transmitted from the microphone connected speaker, circuit control means at the master station selectively operable to connect the speaker of the said telephone system, and induction pick-up tion stations, phonographic recording means for master station when used as a microphone, in circuit with said recording means for recording sound transmitted from said speaker, to actuate said reproducing means and connect same with a selected station speaker-for audible reproduction of the recorded sounds.

17. A system of the character described com- I prising a moniton station including electrically operated sound recording means, and electrically operated sound reproducing means, in combination with a communication system including a master station located at a point remote from said monitor station and a sub-station located at the monitor station; said master station including an electrically operative loud speaker subject to use as a microphone, said sub-station comprising an electrically operated loud speaker subject for use as a microphone, thermionic amplifying means, electrical circuits intercom nected with one another and the electrical elements of the system, circuit control means at operable to connect the speaker of the master 4 station when used as a microphone, in circuit with said recording means-for recording sound transmitted from said speaker, to actuate said reproducing means and connect same with a selected station speaker for audible reproduction of the recorded sounds, one of said stations other than the monitor station having a microphone connected in the electrical circuits of the system and means for rendering said microphone operative or inoperative for transmitting messages for recordation at said monitor station.

18. The combination with a telephone system including a telephone station having sending and receiving equipment, of communication means comprising a plurality of stations aflording station-to-station communication indepently of said telephone system, and induction pick-up means operative for picking up signals transmitted to and from said telephone station and for transmitting said signals to said communication stations, phonographic recording means for recording telephone messages transmitted by said pick-up means and also interstation messages, said recording means including a reproducing head and associated means for restation messages and control means operable at producing messages recorded by'said recording means, and control means operable at the location of at least one o! the stations of said communication means for selectively controlling said pick-up means, said recording means and the operation of said communication stations and reproducing means, and a microphone located at at least one of the plurality of stations which are independent of the telephone system for transmitting messages from said one station for recordation by said recording means.

19. The combination with a telephone system including a telephone station having sending and receiving equipment, of communication means comprising a plurality of stations aflording station-to-station communication independently of said telephone system, induction pick-up means operative for picking up signals transmitted to and from said telephone station and for transmitting said signals to said communication stations, phonographic recording means for recording telephone messages transmitted by said pick-up means and also interthe location of at least one of the stations of said communication means for selectively controlling said pick-up means, said recording means and the operation of said communication stations.

ELLIOTT W. SPARLING. 

